Former Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu has admitted that a viral video in which he spoke about being ready to “kill for elections” is genuine, reversing an earlier claim by his media team that the footage was generated using artificial intelligence.
Mpundu has apologised to those who were disappointed by the remarks, saying his comments were made in the context of self defence.
The issue has since moved beyond social media.
On Sunday, August ninth, Democratic Advocates for Good Governance Executive Director Fabian Mutale reported Mpundu to authorities, arguing that the remarks were alarming and could cause fear and panic ahead of Zambia’s August thirteenth general elections.
Police have since taken an interest in the matter and launched investigations.
Meanwhile, United Party for National Development Secretary General Batuke Imenda has written to the Electoral Commission of Zambia seeking intervention.
Mpundu’s latest statement changes an important part of the story. What was initially being disputed as a question of whether the video was real is now centred on the meaning and consequences of the remarks themselves.
With election day only days away, the investigation and any action that may follow will be closely watched.